A Level Geography includes a compulsory minimum of four days of fieldwork. This is required by all UK exam boards and applies to both physical and human geography.

For the Edexcel specification (used for our course), you’ll also complete an Independent Investigation (NEA) based on your fieldwork. This is typically a 3,000–4,000 word report and contributes 20% of your final A Level grade.

What counts as fieldwork?

• Physical geography examples: river surveys, coastal profiling, microclimate studies, slope analysis, soil sampling.
• Human geography examples: land-use mapping, environmental quality surveys, questionnaires/interviews, urban change studies, place perception.
• Data types: primary data you collect yourself and secondary data (e.g., OS maps, census, GIS layers) to support analysis.

The NEA (Independent Investigation)

You will design your own question, collect data during fieldwork, analyse results with appropriate techniques (including statistics/GIS), then write up your findings.

• Length: usually 3,000–4,000 words (excluding appendices/figures).
• Weighting: 20% of A Level.
• Marking: internally marked by your exam centre and externally moderated by the exam board.
• Timing: Your exam centre will set internal deadlines (often by spring of your exam year). Plan early.

How do private candidates do fieldwork?

• Option 1 — Centre-run trips: Some exam centres or local colleges offer fieldwork days you can join (fees apply).
• Option 2 — Self-arranged fieldwork: You plan and conduct your own local studies (e.g., river reach, town centre survey). Your centre will confirm requirements for evidence, supervision, and authentication.
• Option 3 — Mixed model: Combine a centre day for methods training with additional independent data collection.

If you’re studying from overseas, you can usually complete fieldwork locally (subject to your centre’s approval) and then travel to the UK to submit/assess and sit exams.

Costs, logistics & support

• Costs: Centres may charge for field days, NEA marking, and administration. Always confirm in advance.
• Safety & permissions: Follow risk assessment guidance from your centre. Under-18s may need adult supervision.
• Resources: Basic kit (tape measure, ranging poles/clinometer where relevant), notebook, camera/phone, and access to spreadsheets/GIS.

For comprehensive guidance on planning, managing, and delivering your fieldwork and NEA, see the official Edexcel Fieldwork Planner and Guide .

Tips for a strong NEA

• Choose a focused, investigable question you can realistically answer within time and travel limits.
• Collect enough data (and pilot your methods). Record locations and times carefully.
• Use appropriate analysis (e.g., Spearman’s rank, chi-squared, Mann-Whitney, nearest-neighbour, GIS mapping) and explain why they’re suitable.
• Evaluate limitations, reliability, and how your methods could be improved.
• Keep an organised fieldwork log with photos, raw data, and consent notes (for questionnaires).

Related Guides

• How to Do a Geography Fieldwork Investigation (step-by-step)
• How Do I Find an A Level Geography Exam Centre?
• Is A Level Geography Hard?

Bottom line

You must complete four days of fieldwork and an NEA worth 20%. With a manageable question, good planning, and clear analysis, the NEA is a great opportunity to boost your overall grade.